Canada’s first Indian-origin police chief retires: Victoria declares ‘Del Manak Day’; 35 years of service remembered

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Victoria police chief Del Manak retired on August 27 after serving 35 years with the Vancouver police department, marking a historic milestone as the first Indian-origin officer to become police chief in Canada. The City of Victoria commemorated his retirement by declaring August 27 as ‘Del Manak Day’ in recognition of his contributions to law enforcement and breaking barriers as the first person of color to lead the Victoria Police in its 168-year history.Manak began his law enforcement career with the Vancouver Police Department in 1990, steadily advancing through the ranks before assuming the role of Victoria’s police chief in 2017. His appointment as chief marked a significant achievement for diversity in Canadian law enforcement.”When I joined the force, it wasn’t easy. I had to struggle a lot, but I kept going and worked hard,” Manak reflected on his journey in law enforcement.Born in 1964 in Vancouver, Manak’s family history traces back to Punjab, India. He shared his family’s migration story, connecting his roots to the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district. “My father hailed from Banga, a historic town in the district. He migrated to Singapore, and later our family settled in Canada,” Manak said, describing his family’s journey to Canada.Throughout his career, Manak faced numerous challenges and memorable experiences in law enforcement. One significant incident occurred during his early days on the force.”There were also high-speed chases that tested us,” he noted, recalling his experiences. He specifically mentioned one of his first assignments in 1992, responding to a nightclub shooting in Vancouver, where he secured the crime scene and coordinated with senior officers. During his tenure, Manak consistently advocated for improvements in the justice system, expressing concerns about repeat offenders.”It’s disheartening when police arrest a criminal and within a month, they’re out on bail, committing crimes again,” he remarked, highlighting challenges within the criminal justice system.Manak emphasized the importance of addressing contemporary law enforcement challenges, particularly focusing on crime prevention and substance abuse issues. He stressed the necessity of enhanced rehabilitation programs to reduce repeat offenses.As for his retirement plans, Manak is taking time to consider his next steps. “I have some job offers, but for now, I’m going to Europe for a month,” he revealed, indicating his immediate post-retirement plans.